Mukesh Ambani – $90.7 billion (Reliance Industries)

Mukesh Ambani, with a staggering net worth of $90.7 billion, stands as one of the world’s wealthiest individuals. As the chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries, he has played a pivotal role in transforming the company into a global powerhouse and redefining the business landscape in India. Here’s an in-depth look at the man behind the success of Reliance Industries and his incredible journey.

The Early Days

Mukesh Dhirubhai Ambani was born on April 19, 1957, in Aden (present-day Yemen), to Dhirubhai Ambani and Kokilaben Ambani. In 1958, the family moved back to India, where Dhirubhai laid the foundation of Reliance Industries, a company that would go on to become a behemoth in the business world. Mukesh completed his undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, and later pursued an MBA at Stanford University, which he left midway to assist his father in expanding Reliance.

Transforming Reliance Industries

When Mukesh Ambani took over the reins of Reliance Industries, it was already a successful enterprise. However, under his leadership, the company diversified and expanded into multiple sectors, including petrochemicals, refining, telecommunications, and retail. Today, Reliance Industries is not just the largest company in India by market capitalization but also a global leader in its key verticals.

Key Achievements:

• Reliance Jio: Launched in 2016, Jio revolutionized India’s telecom sector by making 4G data affordable and accessible. Within a few years, it became the largest telecom operator in India and a key player in the global digital ecosystem.
• Retail Dominance: Reliance Retail has emerged as India’s largest retailer, offering everything from groceries to electronics and fashion. It has also ventured into e-commerce through JioMart, challenging established players like Amazon and Flipkart.
• Energy Leadership: Reliance’s oil-to-chemicals business is one of the most profitable in the world, with state-of-the-art refineries and a strong focus on sustainability and clean energy.